Why did the USDA issue a public health alert for Walmart's Chicken Empanada? Reasons explained

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert for Walmart's Chicken Empanada due to concerns over mislabeling and an undeclared allergen. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of USDA stated that the Chicken Curry Empanadas product may mistakenly contain Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, which include milk, a known allergen, not listed on the label.

FSIS issued the alert to inform consumers about the potential risks, especially those with milk allergies. The affected products are no longer available for purchase; the department warns that the mislabeled items may still be in consumers’ freezers.

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Walmart's Chicken Empanada- Details of the mislabeling issue

Product label of the chicken empanada (Image via FSIS USDA)

The mislabeled products were sold exclusively at Walmart locations nationwide. According to FSIS, the frozen empanadas were produced on November 14, 2024, and packaged on November 20 and 21, 2024. They were distributed in 9.6-ounce cardboard packages labeled "Bettergoods TRADITIONALLY CRAFTED Chicken Curry Empanadas."

As per USDA's official website, the specific markings on the affected packages include:

• BEST BY dates: "05/21/26" or "05/22/26"
• Establishment number: EST. P33967

The issue was brought to FSIS’s attention after four consumer complaints were made to the producing establishment, indicating that apple cinnamon empanadas were mistakenly packaged as chicken curry empanadas.

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Potential health risks

The primary concern is the undeclared milk allergen in the mislabeled Walmart's Chicken Empanada packages. As per USDA's official website, Individuals allergic to milk could experience adverse reactions if they consume the product. While no confirmed cases of allergic reactions have been reported, FSIS issued the alert to ensure consumer safety.

Consumers who have purchased these empanadas are urged to avoid eating them. Those concerned about potential health risks should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.

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Identifying the affected products

Consumers can identify the affected empanadas by checking the packaging details. USDA's official website states the mislabeled products bear the description “Bettergoods TRADITIONALLY CRAFTED Chicken Curry Empanadas” but may contain apple cinnamon empanadas instead. Additionally, the establishment number P33967 and the BEST BY dates "05/21/26" or "05/22/26" are printed on the side of the box.

FSIS shared images of the product label on their website (Image via FSIS USDA)

Images of the mislabeled product are available on the FSIS website for reference. Consumers who find these products in their freezers are advised to discard or return them to the store.

FSIS advises consumers against consuming the mislabeled Walmart Chicken Empanada products under any circumstances. For further assistance, consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email [email protected].

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Why no recall was initiated

A recall was not requested in this case because the affected Walmart's Chicken Empanada products are no longer being sold in stores. However, FSIS remains concerned that some consumers may still have the mislabeled items at home. The public health alert aims to ensure awareness and prevent any health-related incidents.

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The USDA’s public health alert for Walmart's Chicken Empanada highlights the importance of accurate food labeling to protect consumers from potential allergens. Consumers are encouraged to check their freezers for mislabeled items and follow the USDA’s recommendations to ensure safety.